Frequently Asked Questions

I don't understand about financial aid or scholarships. What is the difference?

How to pay for a college education is a big concern today for parents and students. Paying for college can be a very complex network of solutions. That said, simply put, there are three different ways to help pay for college.

First, there are loans. Remember, loans must be paid back. Loans are provided through state or federal funding or the college you will be attending.

There are work study programs. The college gives the student a job and applies what you earn to your college tution.

Then there are grants and scholarships. Scholarships are merit based: grades, test scores. Colleges offer scholarships that are unique to their school, some are very department specific, others are more general. There are a vast array of scholarships out there that are not associated with any school that vary from a small award to significant sums of money to help defray the cost of college. Some scholarships are “need based” (you must need the money to attend), others “need blind” (requiring no evidence of financial need). Again, this area of financial aid is a puzzle that has a myriad of solutions; it is important to investigate all options.

I am a junior in high school and have really good SAT scores and a high GPA. I think I have a really good chance to get into a top university but the cost is so high my parents don't want me to apply. They are afraid they won't be able to pay for it. They say they can only pay for an in state school. What should I do?

Remember, there are lots of ways to pay for college. The most important factor to consider is your academic ability. If one of the top universities believes you are qualified and can be successful at their school, then you and your parents should be able to work out a way that you can attend the school of your choice. Many schools offer need blind admissions; once you are accepted the school will take into account all of your parent's expenses before determining financial need.

Between scholarship(s), work study and loans there is a really good possibility that you can attend the school of your choice if admitted. The only way to know is to actually go through the process - nothing ventured nothing gained.